Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden has announced that in accordance with a new order from Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Medfield Public Schools will remain closed through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year as a precaution against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statewide closure of schools, originally set to end on April 7 and previously extended to May 4, has been further extended through the end of the school year. The last day of school in Medfield is scheduled to be June 16.
The extended closure of schools is an unprecedented step in limiting the potential spread of COVID-19 and continuing the practice of social distancing as more positive cases and deaths are announced in the state each day.
While schools remain closed, the district’s food service for students and families will continue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Medfield High School, 24 Pound St. More information can be found on the district’s website.
All athletic programs, events and after school activities will remain suspended and fields, playgrounds and play areas will remain closed until further notice.
Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley canceled MCAS for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year across grades 3-10. The Commissioner has not yet made a decision regarding competency determination for high school graduation.
Discussions about events like graduation, prom and academic awards ceremonies will take place in the coming days and weeks and further information will be shared as it becomes available.
"Though this is an unprecedented yet anticipated end to our school year, we will continue to educate our students through remote learning resources," Superintendent Marsden said. "We are very appreciative of our teachers and staff who have done an excellent job staying connected with students and keeping them engaged in remote learning lessons during this closure, and will continue to do so for the remainder of the year."
Remote learning will continue through the end of the school year, June 16.
At the time of print, Commissioner Riley will soon be releasing additional guidance and recommendations to school districts statewide.
Teachers and administrators have worked since the initial school closure to support students' connections to their school community and classwork.
During the school closure, teachers have remained vigilant and mindful of their individual students’ needs and have made adjustments according to those needs. Teachers will continue to reach out to students and families on a regular basis throughout the remainder of the school closure.
For more information, visit www.medfield.net.
